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Art after stroke: exhibition showcases the work of local stroke survivors

Inspirational art work created by stroke survivors from Hunstanton will be on public display and available to buy at Thornham Village Hall from Friday 22 September to Sunday 24 September.

The art work has been created by two groups of stroke survivors who attended art therapy workshops set up by the Stroke Association in Hunstanton and Kings Lynn. Stroke survivors from the Coastal Stroke Support and Carers Group and West Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Stroke Group attended the workshops to explore different artistic techniques, such as watercolours, pastels and felt-making.

Stroke survivor Bruce Seales, from Kings Lynn, is one of the artists with work on display. Bruce was left with aphasia, a communication difficulty, and weakness down the right side of his body. Bruce has always enjoyed art, but after his stroke he had to learn how to use his left hand to paint again.

Gemma Smith, Communication Support Coordinator from the Stroke Association said: “We’re amazed by everyone’s artwork, but in particular the beautiful artwork Bruce has created. Art therapy has given Bruce a new lease of life and it is now much more than a hobby, it is essential therapy for him.

“Art therapy can help stroke survivors build their confidence and express themselves in new ways. We see the overwhelming courage and determination many stroke survivors, such as Bruce, show in coping with the loss of different skills that we take for granted. We’d love to see everyone from across the local area to come along to the exhibition and even buy an original piece of artwork of their own.”

The exhibition has been organised by local artist, Stephen Martyn, and Stroke Association volunteer and stroke survivor, Al Ware. All proceeds from the event will support the work of the Stroke Association and future workshops for stroke survivors.

A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year; that is around one stroke every five minutes. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.

Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk